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Story perspectives

Children in Care Face 62% Higher Mortality Rate

1/3/2026

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Story summary
  • Children in care in England die before age 75 at a rate 62% higher than peers.
  • The number in care remains high at 81,770, despite reforms such as free prescriptions for care leavers.
  • Reforms aim to improve healthcare access and support for young adults leaving care amid staff shortages.
  • Lawmakers consider raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 from 10, with calls for a welfare approach used in Europe.